Acrosomal sperm protein and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of acrosomal sperm protein in immunocontraception of male and female subjects and uses thereof as a marker for fertility.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of immunocontraception of a male or female subject, which comprises administering to said male or female subject an antigenic fragment of a P34 protein to elicit an immunocontraception response by said male or female subject. 
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1, wherein said P34 protein is encoded by the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3, and wherein said antigenic, fragment has an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:4and SEQ ID NO:5. 
     
     
       3. An immunocontraceptive vaccine for a male or female subject, which comprises an antigenic fragment of a P34 protein in association with a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein said vaccine elicits an immunocontraception response by said male or female subject after its administration.